2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes4.3× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  17.5% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  9.2% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  8.8% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Corroded fuel pipes37× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  3.7% All 2013 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Suzuki SX4

  5.2% All 2013 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Suzuki SX4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?